CVE-2021-28664
Published: November 3, 2021
Official Description
Arm Mali Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) kernel driver contains an unspecified vulnerability that may allow a non-privileged user to gain write access to read-only memory, gain root privilege, corrupt memory, and modify the memory of other processes.
CISA KEV Advisory
Arm Mali Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) Unspecified Vulnerability
Arm Mali Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) kernel driver contains an unspecified vulnerability that may allow a non-privileged user to gain write access to read-only memory, gain root privilege, corrupt memory, and modify the memory of other processes.
Apply updates per vendor instructions.
Risk Analysis
An unspecified vulnerability in the Arm Mali Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) kernel driver could allow a non-privileged user to gain root privileges, write to read-only memory, or corrupt memory. Its inclusion in CISA's KEV catalog and active exploitation make this a high-priority vulnerability, despite a low EPSS score.
This vulnerability is actively exploited in the wild and is included in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, confirming its use in real-world attacks.
Users of systems with Arm Mali GPUs should apply the latest driver updates to prevent unauthorized privilege escalation and memory manipulation.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2021-28664 requires local access, meaning attackers must already have a foothold on the target system.
Exploitation requires some privileges, which limits the exposure to scenarios where an attacker has already gained initial access.
CISA has added CVE-2021-28664 to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, confirming active exploitation in the wild. U.S. federal agencies are required to patch this within the mandated timeframe, and all organizations should treat remediation as urgent.
Exploit & PoC Resources
All References (1)
Quick Facts
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2021-28664 in threat intel feeds
- →Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts
- !CISA KEV: Federal agencies must patch per BOD 22-01 timeline
- !Active exploitation confirmed — treat as P1